Ebay Now same-day delivery service launches in Chicago

EBay on Tuesday launched its Now service in Chicago, which allows locals to order from retailers such as Best Buy, Macy’s and Target and have goods delivered to their home within an hour.

To use the service, consumers will have to buy at least $25 in merchandise and pay a $5 delivery fee. After shopping selected merchandise at various stores on www.ebay.com/now, an eBay "valet" will bring it to their home. Payment is accepted through credit card or PayPal.

EBay plans to expand the fledgling service, which launched in San Francisco last year, to 25 markets in 2014.

The expansion of eBay Now, along with a handful of other local delivery pilot programs, is aimed at capturing a growing number of consumers who research online but want to purchase in a local store. The model also reduces inventory challenges and high costs by partnering with big retailers with their own stock.